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<\/p>\nFinland defeated Canada to reach the Davis Cup semi-finals <\/p>\n
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Finland became the first Nordic country to make the Davis Cup semi-finals since Sweden in 2007 following a gutsy win over champions Canada on Tuesday and captain Jarkko Nieminen said their success can help grow the sport in the region.<\/p>\n
Cheered on at the Finals in Malaga by thousands of Finnish fans who have made the nearby town of Fuengirola their home, the tournament outsiders prevailed 2-1 with Otto Virtanen and Harri Heliovaara securing a famous victory in the doubles decider.<\/p>\n
Finland boasts famous figures in Formula One, ice hockey, athletics and winter sports but not many noted tennis players and former world number 13 Nieminen said his team\u2019s best-ever Davis Cup run could inspire a new generation.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany people play tennis. Not so many compete,\u201d Nieminen told reporters. \u201cWe don\u2019t have too many professional players. It\u2019s a popular hobby sport, but not one of the traditional sports in Finland.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow tennis is getting bigger and bigger. Even before our success, tennis was getting a little bit bigger. Now tennis is getting more attention. The Davis Cup team is getting more attention.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust that you\u2019re able to see more tennis on TV or in the newspapers helps and you have idols like these guys. It\u2019s not one of the biggest sports but hopefully it will be in the near future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finland will play the winner of Wednesday\u2019s quarter-final between 2022 runners-up Australia and the Czech Republic in Friday\u2019s semi-final.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have the belief that we have high goals, but it doesn\u2019t help to expect that everything always goes well,\u201d Nieminen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe always try to work hard. We obviously expect more great experiences on Friday.\u201d<\/p>\n